If your iPhone’s microphone is not working properly, it can cause several problems. At first, this will obviously disrupt your phone calls. However, this will at the same time cause problems when using Facetime Chat. Siri will not be able to detect your voice and the sound quality will be poor during your recordings. In this guide, we will therefore discuss how to clean your iPhone 14 microphone below.
iPhone 14: How to Clean Microphone (2023)
When you are talking with various people and they complain of hearing your voice badly, a possible problem could be related to the microphones of the iPhone 14 (there are more than one integrated). If any foreign element comes into contact with the microphones, such as dirt or sand, make-up, ink, soaps, detergents, acids or acidic foods, or body creams, it is advisable to turn off the device and proceed with cleaning.
If the iPhone is stored in a case, remove it. Disconnect the phone from the power supply, locate the phone microphone, and proceed with cleaning.
1. Cleaning iPhone 14 Microphone Using Isopropyl Alcohol
To gently clean the external surfaces of the iPhone 14, you can use wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol, a wipe with 75% ethyl alcohol, or Clorox disinfectant wipes. It is essential not to spray products on the device. It is better to lightly spray a lint-free cloth first and then pass it over the product. It is important not to use aggressive products such as bleach, preventing moisture from penetrating into the openings, and obviously not to immerse the iPhone in cleaning products.
2. Clean Mic with Microfibre Cloth or Brush, etc.
The various points where the microphones are placed can be cleaned with a microfibre cloth or a delicate brush (avoid objects with an abrasive surface because these could cause damage). Do not absolutely use metal objects (eg paper clips), do not use water or any other type of liquid, and do not use compressed air. It may seem like a good idea, but this often pushes the dirt in. With great care and delicacy you can use a toothpick to push debris outwards or a suction system (always with care and be very careful).
You can use a magnifying glass to check for dirt and, as mentioned, use a toothpick. Do not insert the latter firmly all the way, but limit yourself with delicate movements, for the escape of debris. A blower (such as those for cleaning camera sensors) or a compressed air dust remover can be used at the end of the cleaning, to remove smaller traces.
Even if the microphone doesn’t seem to work well, the problem could be software. Remove any screen protectors, films, or cases, wipe off any dirt in the iPhone openings, and try opening an app to record voice or video memos and test the operation of the microphones.
If the microphone doesn’t work in a specific app open Settings > Privacy > Microphone and make sure the app is enabled.
3. Contact Apple Support
If you have followed all the steps above, but still the microphone does not seem to be working, contact Apple Technical Support.
That is all you need to know about cleaning the iPhone 14 microphone. In the meantime, do not forget to check out our other guides on How to Clean a Mousepad, and How to Clean Unwanted Files from Android Phone.